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Unit 1: Thermal, nuclear and electrical physics
Quick questions on Internal energy, temperature and thermal equilibrium (QCE Physics Unit 1)
4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is treating heat and temperature as the same thing?Show answer
A bathtub of warm water has more internal energy than a cup of boiling water, but a lower temperature.
What is adding kinetic and potential incorrectly in a state change?Show answer
During melting or boiling, heat raises potential energy of particles (breaking bonds) without raising kinetic energy. Temperature is unchanged across the phase transition.
What is confusing celsius with kelvin in formulas?Show answer
Use kelvin in the kinetic-theory formula. Convert: $T (\text{K}) = T (\text{°C}) + 273.15$.
What is treating thermal equilibrium as "no energy"?Show answer
At equilibrium there is still molecular motion. There is no net heat flow, but micro-level energy exchange continues.
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